Brian Allen is still under contract for another two seasons with the Rams, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be on the team in 2023. If the Rams move on from him, they could use their top pick on a center – and the top one in the class should be available at No. 36.
John Michael Schmitz out of Minnesota is viewed as the best center in the draft and he’s cementing his status as such at the Senior Bowl this week. According to those in attendance in Mobile, Ala., Schmitz has had a fantastic showing in practice. Not just that, but Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network wrote Schmitz’s character is “off the charts,” which has led to him doing “really well” in interviews with teams. Jeremiah added that he’s “not sure he had a bad rep in practice” all week.
Matt Miller of ESPN also praised Schmitz’s performance in Mobile, writing that he’s “had a wonderful first two days of practice and has been the most impressive offensive lineman.” And for fans who wish the Rams would’ve taken Creed Humphrey over Tutu Atwell in 2021, Schmitz could make up for it.
“His ability in space will give scouts a Creed Humphrey-like vibe, and he also routinely handled seal blocks and head-up defenders in the session,” Miller wrote.
The clips of Schmitz going through practice reps at the Senior Bowl are impressive. He’s got a powerful anchor and doesn’t let interior rushers walk him back.
Minnesota IOL John Michael Schmitz has been clamping dudes all week!Unbelievable practice energy. Love how he’s taken ownership in the OL. He helped himself a ton in Mobile. #RatedRookie #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/VuQ52gpek1
— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) February 2, 2023
It’s also fun to see him get out in space and clear a path for his running back on a screen.
.@GopherFootball's John Michael Schmitz putting his stamp on being OC1 at the @seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/LoIZ0VcHe5
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) February 1, 2023
Watch him finish this block, driving his man all the way to the ground.
center John Michael Schmitz has been in battles all day out here – his compete level in practice is fun to watch pic.twitter.com/dcIGXT3QVw
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) February 1, 2023
Schmitz should still be available when the Rams go on the clock at No. 36 overall and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take him. They can make Allen a post-June 1 cut and save $4.4 million, which would allow them to add help at other positions of need.
Schmitz is certainly a prospect to watch for the Rams as the draft approaches.
